We are not immune to the problem and I’m definitely not having a go at anyone, but something has to be done.
Agreed that nobody is immune, but Raptors in particular were largely settled with rebuilding toward 2 Grades after the early season blows. My suspicion is they also lost a few guys to watching the Rugby League Tets (like us and even Merrylands told me they were missing a couple).
Considering last week they got a forfeit from HAC, and the week before they had 27
at Wills Ground, with 31 at home the week before, I reckon they'll be back to something more normal next week against Redfield. If not.... well it could be interesting the week after against us.
As to what can be done, I don't think clubs, Subbies, or Rugby Union in general has any control over that. I was speaking to a mate in NZ about this over social media, and the issues they're also having with club rugby. We basically agreed that it is very different compared to even a few years ago. Younger guys will skip rugby without a thought if there is a music festival, fishing trip, wedding (esp overseas) or just want to get away for the weekend.
How can you make a club commit to a competition when players won't even commit to the club? Throw in the changing demographic about shift or weekend work and having a long-term, stable club means you're basically white collar office johnnies like me, or else.